Light fixture



March 31, 1964 G. SHAW LIGHT FIXTURE Filed Oct. 25, 1961 FIG.1

FIG.6

MAN I.

INVENTOR. George Shaw ATTORNEY United States Patent Ofiice 3,127,114Patented Mar. 31, 1964 3,127,114 LIGHT FIXTURE George Shaw, 67-G2A 186thLane, Fresh Meadows 65, N.Y. Filed Oct. 23, 1961, Ser. No. 146,956 4Claims. ((31. 240-4) This invention relates to a light fixture, and morespecifically to an improved adjustable light fixture particularlyadapted for use with or as a music rack, book stand, easel and the like,for illuminating sheet music, a book, painting and the like, supportedthereon.

The known music rack or stand constructions, e.g. the music rack of apiano, are not provided with suitable lighting facilities forilluminating the sheet music supported thereon. Consequently in a dimlylighted room, a piano player or musician would have considerabledifficulty in reading the notes of the sheet music during practice or aperformance. Consequently proper lighting of the sheet music or the likewithout detracting from the mood of the music or performance can be adiscerning problem.

Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide a lighting fixturewhich is particularly adapted for use on a music stand and the likewhereby a light is directed on the music sheet only.

Another object is to provide a lighting fixture which is renderedreadily adjustable to accommodate varying sizes of sheet music and/orthe eye level of a particular musician.

Another object is to provide an improved lighting fixture which isrendered readily detachable from the music stand or the like.

Still another object is to provide a novel clip construction by whichthe improved light fixture of this invention may be rendered verticallyadjustable and/or detachably connected to a suitable support with aminimum of effort and in certain forms thereof without the use of anytools.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision that the improvedlighting fixture may be utilized as a rack or holder for sheet music, abook or paintings with particular provision for illuminating the sheetmusic, book, painting and the like supported thereon to the degreedesired by a particular individual.

Another feature resides in the provision that the fixture of the instantinvention is relatively simple in structure, easily producible for massproduction, and positive in operation.

Other features and advantages will become readily apparent whenconsidered in view of the following description and drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the improved light fixture of thisinvention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1 and illustrating several adjustablepositions of the lamp.

FIG. 3 is a perspective detail view of the clip by which the fixture isrendered adjustable.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a modified form of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary detail side view of a modified clip.

FIG. 6 is a detail side view illustrating still another modified clipconstruction.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, there is illustrated one form of the improvedlight fixture construction 10 in accordance with this invention, Inthese figures the light fixture It) is illustrated as applied to themusic rack 11 of piano. Generally the music rack 11 of a piano consistsof a back plate 12 and a connected, forwardly extending supporting ledge13 on which the sheet of music is placed. As a rule, the back plate 12and connected ledge 13 are tilted slightly to facilitate positioning andmaintaining the sheet music in place thereon.

The improved lighting fixture 10 is constructed and arranged so as to bedetachably connected to the back plate 12 of the music rack 11. As shownthe fixture 10 comprises a top, bottom and connecting side members 14A,14B and 14C to define an open frame structure. An intermediate strut 15extends between the top and bottom frame members 14A, 14B. Connected atthe top 14A of the frame is a lamp assembly 16 adjustably hingedthereto.

The lamp assembly 16 includes a lamp shade 16A which has its endportions 163 pivotally connected to the side frame member 14C at the top14A thereof. Thumb screws 17 disposed on each side of the shade 16A formboth the pivot therefor and the means to secure the lamp shade 16A tothe frame in adjusted position. By tightening the thumb screws 17 thelamp shade may be fixed in any of several adjustable positions as seenin FIG. 2. One end of the shade has connected thereto a socket 18 forreceiving a light bulb 19.

For rendering the light fixture 10 vertically adjustable, and readilydetachable with respect to the music rack 11, the central strut 15 isprovided with a plurality of vertically spaced slots 20, each slot 20being inclined at an angle of approximately 45. While a 45 angle ispreferred, the angle is not in any Way critical as any practical anglemay be provided. As shown, each slot 20 inclines upwardly from its openend, or conversely downwardly from its closed end.

According to the invention a novel clip 21 is provided to cooperate withthe spaced slots 20 for rendering the fixture 1d vertically adjustableand readily detachable with respect to the rack 11. As best seen inFIGS. 1 to 3, the clip 21 has a straight intermediate portion 22 whichis adapted to be disposed in contiguous relationship with the back ofthe strut 15. The lower end of the clip portion 22 is provided with areverse bend to define a hook 23 which is readily receivable in any ofthe notches 20. The other end of the clip portion 22 is provided with areversely bent hook 24 that is adapted to slip over the top of the backplate 12 of the music rack 11. As shown, the top of the hook 24 isrendered fiat by right angle bends B1 and B2, and the depending legportion 24a of the book may be bent inwardly to provide a spring-likegrip by which the clip 21 is frictionally secured to the back plate 12of the music rack 11.

To prevent relative movement between the frame structure 10 and the clip21, the latter is provided with a U-shaped brace 25 which has its webportion 25A riveted to the straight portion 22 of the clip at a suitableintermediate point. The arms 25B of the brace extend forwardly, andthere are spaced so as to embrace the side of the strut 15. Thus thebrace functions to prevent lateral movement of the frame relative to theclip. If desired, a felt pad 26 may be disposed between the clip 21 andthe piano rack 11.

To further prevent lateral rocking of the frame 10 a fiat bar 27extending transversely of the clip 21 is connected to the top portion22A of hook 24. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flat bar 27 in theoperative position rests on the top of the rack 11. Since the frame 10is supported at its mid-point only, the flat bar 27 enhancesstabilization of the frame structure 10 when placed on the music rack11.

Thus in operation, it will be apparent that the frame 7 19 can bereadily adjustable vertically by selectively positioning the lower hookportion 23 of the clip 21 in any one of the notches 20. With the clip 21and frame 10 carried thereby connected, the frame 10 is readilysupported to the back plate 12 of a piano rack by slipping the hook 24over the top of the rack 11 as shown.

Thus the light fixture It) becomes part of the music rack 11, the musicsheet being supported on the rack beneath the light assembly 16. Toadjust the frame vertically, the frame 10 may be readily separated fromthe clip 21 by a pull or force applied in the general direction of theinclined slots 20, and the frame repositioned by placing the bent hook23 of the clip 21 in another of the notches by a converse movement.

FIG. 4 illustrates a modified construction which differs from thestructure described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, only by a modifiedlamp assembly 30, and a frame ledge 31 connected to the bottom of theframe 10A. Thus in this form the structure 10A comprises a combinationlight fixture and rack construction for supporting sheet music, a book,painting or the like thereon.

The frame 16A and clip 32 are constructed in the manner hereinbeforedescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. Therefore further descriptionthereof is not warranted. In this form of the invention, however, thelamp assembly includes a U-shaped bracket 33 having its web 33Aconnected to the top frame member. The legs 33B of the bracket 30 extendforwardly of the frame 10A a substantial distance.

As seen in FIG. 1 the lamp shade 34 is connected between the extendedarms 33B. To render the lamp shade 34 adjustable relative to the frame10A, the arms of bracket 33B are provided with elongated slots 35 forreceiving the end pivots of the lamp assembly. As shown the lamp shade34 is free to slide in slots 35, and suitable lock screws 36 areprovided to fix the lamp shade 34 in adjusted position therein. Asuitable lamp 37 is carried Within the shade 34. The clip 32 in thisform of the invention is structurally and functionally similar to thatdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

In order to render the lamp fixture of FIG. 1 or 4 attachable to anupright supporting wall or the like, whereby it may be utilized as anilluminated picture or painting support, a modified clip construction 40may be provided. As shown in FIG. 5, this clip construction 40 comprisesa straight portion 41 which is adapted to be disposed contiguous to theback of the central strut 42 of the frame 10B of a light fixture. Thelower end of the clip straight portion 41 is bent to define the hookportion 46 which is receivable in one of the notches 43 of the centralstrut 42. The other end of the clip 40 has an offset portion 44 and aconnected depending leg 45 portion. As shown in FIG. 5, the leg portion45 is adapted to be fastened to an upright wall 47 by suitable fasteningmeans, such as screws 48. While the straight portion 41 of the clip isshown bent at an angle relative to the wall 48, it will be understoodthat the angle or incline of the frame structure 10B may be varied bymerely bending the straight portion 41 relative to the offset portion 44to assure the desired position for the most suitable viewing of thearticle supported thereon. In this form, the straight portion 41 isprovided with a brace 49, for the reason hereinbefore described withreference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates a simplified modification of the clips 50 forsecuring the light fixture ltlC directly to an upright wall 51. In thisform the frame structure 10C, as herein described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3, or 4, is supported by a clip which comprises merely anupright or vertical portion 50A, terminating at its lower edge only in areversely bent hook 50B adapted to engage the notch 52 on the back ofthe central strut 53 of the frame 10C.

The upper end of the clip straight portion 59A is provided with holesthrough suitable fasteners 54, such as screws are inserted for securingthe clip 50A to an upright wall 51. This form of clip, is likewiseprovided with a U-shape brace constructed to embrace the sides of thecentral strut 53, as hereinbefore described. Thus to adjust the fixture10C vertically, the frame struc' ture is merely pulled off the hook end503 of the clip,

and the frame rendered adjusted vertically upwardly or downwardly byrepositioning the hook end 50B of the clip in another notch.

From the foregoing description, it will be noted that the frame issupported in a positive manner by a novel clip construction. Each isrelatively simple in construction, yet positive in operation. The rackis rendered readily adjustable vertically of the rack 11 or supportingwall structure. Further, while the light fixture 10 is centrallysupported by a relative small clip, it is nevertheless stable andsturdily supported thereby.

While the instant invention has been disclosed with reference to aparticular method and a particular embodiment for practicing the same,it is to be appreciated that the invention is not to be taken as limitedto all of the details thereof as modifications and variations thereofmay be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A music rack or the like comprising an open frame structure havingconnecting top, bottom and side frame members, a ledge connected to thebottom frame member for supporting thereon sheet music or the like, acentral strut connected between said top and bottom frame members, saidstrut having a series of vertically spaced notches formed in the backthereof, each of said notches being inclined downwardly, a clipdetachably connected with said strut for supporting said rack on asuitable support structure, said clip comprising a clip portion disposedcontiguous with said strut, said clip portion terminating at its lowerend in a forwardly and upwardly bent hook angled to be received in oneof said notches in said strut, a U-shape brace connected to said clipportion intermediate its ends thereof, said brace having forwardlyextending arm portions spaced to embrace the sides of said strut, meansfor connecting the other end of said clip portion to a supportingsurface, a lamp assembly including a lamp shade pivotally mounted to theupper end of said side frame members.

2. An auxiliary rack adapted for attachment to a music rack or the likecomprising an open frame structure having top, bottom and connectingside frame members, a central strut interconnected between said top andbottom frame members, said strut having a series of vertically spacednotches formed in the back thereof, each of said notches being inclineddownwardly, a clip detachably connected with said strut for supportingsaid rack on a support, said clip including an upright straight portionadapted to be disposed contiguously to the back of said strut, saidupright portion having its lower end bent forwardly and upwardly todefine a hook angled to be received in one of said notches, a reverselybent hook portion formed integral with said straight portion at theother end thereof whereby said clip can be hooked over an edge of asupport structure, a U-shaped brace having a web portion connectedintermediate the ends of said upright clip portion, said brace havingspaced arms extending forwardly of said web for embracing the sides ofsaid central strut, and a transversely extending stabilizing stripconnected to the top bend of said upper hook portion.

3. A light fixture adapted for attachment to a music rack or the likecomprising a top, bottom and connecting side frame member to define anopen frame structure, a lamp connected to the top of said framestructure, a control strut interconnected between said top and bottomframe members, said strut having a series of vertically spaced notchesformed in the back thereof, each of said notches being inclineddownwardly, a clip detachably connected with said strut for supportingsaid rack on a support, said clip including a straight portion disposedcontiguous with the back of said strut, said straight portion having itslower end bent forwardly and upwardly at an angle to be received in oneof said notches, and a reversely bent hook portion formed integral tothe other end of said straight portion whereby said clip can be hookedover the edge of a support structure, a U- shaped brace having a webportion connected intermediate the ends of said straight portion, saidbrace having spaced arms extending forwardly of said web for embracingthe sides of said strut portion, and a transversely extendingstabilizing strip connected to the bend of said upper hook portion.

4. A combined light fixture and article support com prising an openframe structure having connecting top, bottom and side frame members, alamp assembly connected to the top of said frame, a central strutconnected between said top and bottom frame members, said strut having aseries of vertically spaced notches formed in the back thereof, each ofsaid notches being inclined downwardly, a clip detachably connected withsaid strut for supporting said rack on a suitable support structure,said clip comprising a strip portion disposed contiguous with saidstrut, said strip portion terminating in a forwardly and upwardly benthook angled to be received with one References (Iited in the file ofthis patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 935,797 Leonard Oct. 5, 1909 1,113,771Gardner Oct. 13, 1914 1,247,454 Rizer Nov. 20, 1917 1,256,377 SallesFeb. 12, 1918 1,401,554 Phillips Dec. 27, 1921 1,847,051 Zabach Feb. 23,1932 1,949,289 Andersen Feb. 27, 1934 2,577,982 Traum Dec. 11, 19512,662,164 Murray Dec. 8, 1953 2,740,603 Woiford Apr. 3, 1956 2,743,023Larson Apr. 24, 1956

1. A MUSIC RACK OR THE LIKE COMPRISING AN OPEN FRAME STRUCTURE HAVINGCONNECTING TOP, BOTTOM AND SIDE FRAME MEMBERS, A LEDGE CONNECTED TO THEBOTTOM FRAME MEMBER FOR SUPPORTING THEREON SHEET MUSIC OR THE LIKE, ACENTRAL STRUT CONNECTED BETWEEN SAID TOP AND BOTTOM FRAME MEMBERS, SAIDSTRUT HAVING A SERIES OF VERTICALLY SPACED NOTCHES FORMED IN THE BACKTHEREOF, EACH OF SAID NOTCHES BEING INCLINED DOWNWARDLY, A CLIPDETACHABLY CONNECTED WITH SAID STRUT FOR SUPPORTING SAID RACK ON ASUITABLE SUPPORT STRUCTURE, SAID CLIP COMPRISING A CLIP PORTION DISPOSEDCONTIGUOUS WITH SAID STRUT, SAID CLIP PORTION TERMINATING AT ITS LOWEREND IN A FORWARDLY AND UPWARDLY BENT HOOK ANGLED TO BE RECEIVED IN ONEOF SAID NOTCHES IN SAID STRUT, A U-SHAPE BRACE CONNECTED TO SAID CLIPPORTION INTERMEDIATE ITS ENDS THEREOF, SAID BRACE HAVING FORWARDLYEXTENDING ARM PORTIONS SPACED TO EMBRACE THE SIDES OF SAID STRUT, MEANSFOR CONNECTING THE OTHER END OF SAID CLIP PORTION TO A SUPPORTINGSURFACE, A LAMP ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A LAMP SHADE PIVOTALLY MOUNTED TO THEUPPER END OF SAID SIDE FRAME MEMBERS.